Soccer fans have various motivations for gaining knowledge about the teams and players.
Some engage in that for enjoyment and due to their admiration for the athletes. Some simply wish to back their local teams and thus stay informed about who is playing where.
Other fans remain engaged in soccer as they can wager on their favorite teams or players and gain more rewards from their team's victory than mere excitement.
Regardless of the situation, if you're interested in learning more about soccer, take a look at these five “dark horses” who may have appeared to underperform in the past, but actually deserve more recognition.
Guglielmo Vicario
Age: 28
Country: Italy
Team: Goalkeeper
Position: Tottenham Hotspur
When Tottenham Hotspur acquired Guglielmo Vicario for €17.2 million in the summer of 2023, a lot of fans thought he was a fresh arrival. In truth, the Italian goalkeeper had quietly established a strong reputation, particularly during his spell at Empoli, where he made 71 appearances across two Serie A seasons.
Beginning his career at Udinese, Vicario loaned out to lower leagues before securing his spot in Italy's premier division. His steady displays at Empoli ultimately resulted in a national team selection in September 2022 for the UEFA Nations League.
Since arriving at Tottenham, Vicario has swiftly adjusted to the challenges of the Premier League. Composed in high-pressure moments and effective in individual matchups, he has become an essential component of the Spurs’ lineup after their rebuild.
Although his remarkable save percentage and calmness are noteworthy, he frequently goes unnoticed next to more prominent goalkeepers.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Age: 26
Country: Japan
Team: Arsenal
Position: Centre-back
Takehiro Tomiyasu started his professional career at Avispa Fukuoka in Japan, debuting in 2015 when he was only 16 years old. Following 52 games, he transferred to Sint-Truiden in Belgium, where his calmness and adaptability attracted broader recognition.
A move to Serie A club Bologna came next, and during two seasons in Italy, Tomiyasu emerged as a composed, smart defender who excelled in both central and right-back positions.
In 2021, Arsenal secured his services for £16 million, and he rapidly turned into a fan favorite due to his strong performances and tactical commitment. His inaugural season in the Premier League was remarkable, but injuries in the subsequent season interrupted his flow. Nonetheless, he provided an outstanding performance against Liverpool, assisting in countering their attack and demonstrating his worth in crucial moments.
In spite of additional challenges, Tomiyasu has demonstrated impressive perseverance. During the 2023/24 season, he began robustly, providing Mikel Arteta with adaptability along the defense and occasionally playing as a left-back.
His rehabilitation, professionalism, and team-centered attitude have regained trust from the coaching staff.
Alex Iwobi
Age: 29
Country: Nigeria
Team: Fulham
Position: Midfielder
Alex Iwobi made headlines in 2019 when he transferred from Arsenal to Everton for £34 million. Initially, critics questioned the fee; his performances on the wing felt inconsistent, and many doubted his long-term impact.
But Iwobi quietly reinvented himself. Under pressure at Goodison Park, he adapted to a deeper midfield role, where his work rate, passing, and defensive contributions improved dramatically. His versatility became a vital asset for a struggling Everton side.
In 2023, Everton’s financial situation forced a £22 million move to Fulham. There, Iwobi seems reborn. In just 13 appearances, he scored three Premier League goals, already matching his best season at Arsenal, and beating his highest tally at Everton. He is definitely one of the factors to make bets on whatever team he is in at any real money online casino Canada.
Lewis Dunk
Age: 33
Country: United Kingdom
Team: Brighton & Hove Albion
Position: Centre-back
Lewis Dunk has been solely with Brighton & Hove Albion since he entered the youth academy in 2003. He debuted as a senior player in the 2009/10 season when the team was in League One and has since participated in more than 430 matches in all competitions.
Currently the team captain, Dunk has played a key role in Brighton's remarkable ascent, aiding them in attaining Premier League status in 2017 and participating in European competitions for the first time in 2023.
Dunk is highly regarded for his defensive awareness, composure in tense situations, and particularly his skill in ball distribution, placing him among the leading Premier League centre-backs for pass accuracy and forward runs. During the 2022/23 Premier League season, he made over 2,500 passes, surpassing most defenders in the league.
In spite of his impact and guidance, Dunk has been predominantly ignored by the England national squad, receiving only two senior caps, a reality that confounds numerous fans and analysts.
Diogo Dalot
Age: 26
Country: Portugal
Team: Manchester United
Position: Right-back, left-back
At a club known for its constant managerial changes and internal turbulence, it can be difficult to tell whether players underperform or are simply caught in the chaos.
But Diogo Dalot is proving to be an exception. Signed from Porto in 2018 for around £19 million, Dalot initially struggled for form and minutes under various managers.
A loan spell at AC Milan in 2020/21 gave him valuable experience, and since returning, he has grown into one of Manchester United’s most consistent performers.
Now the club’s first-choice right-back, Dalot boasts one of the highest average player ratings this season according to WhoScored, outperforming several higher-profile teammates. His defensive awareness, stamina, and improved crossing have made him a key presence on the flank, especially as United’s backline continues to rotate due to injuries and form issues.
He’s also been rewarded internationally, earning over 15 caps for Portugal, and was part of their Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup squads.
